Abstract
Background: The Mesolithic period in Central Asia, particularly in the territory of modern Uzbekistan, represents a critical transitional phase in prehistoric cultural development. Despite a growing body of archaeological evidence, this era remains underrepresented in broader Eurasian discourse. This study integrates archaeological fieldwork, typological and traceological analysis of lithic assemblages, faunal remains examination, and paleogeographic data. More than 200 Mesolithic sites-including stratified and surface contexts — were documented across diverse ecological zones: Fergana, Ustyurt, Kyzylkum, Surkhandarya, the Zarafshan valley, and the so-called “Central Asian Mesopotamia.” The assemblages consist of microliths, scrapers, geometric tools, retouched blades, and grinding implements, indicating specialized toolkits and functional site differentiation. Settlement types range from long-term residential camps to short-term hunting stations, reflecting adaptive strategies to varied environments. Subsistence was based on hunting and gathering, with evidence of early hide processing, woodworking, and plant exploitation. Isolated faunal remains from sites such as Machay and Obishir 5 suggest tentative early steps toward animal domestication.
Conclusion: The regional variability in lithic typology and production techniques points to a shared cultural framework with local adaptations influenced by environment and chronology. This research highlights the Mesolithic as a formative period that laid the foundations for the Neolithic transition toward agriculture and animal husbandry in Central Asia.
Keywords: Mesolithic Uzbekistan, Microlithic industries, Obishir cultural tradition, Hunter-gatherer economy, Early animal domestication, paleogeography of central asia, Lithic typology, Subsistence strategies, Cultural transitions, Eurasian mesolithic
